Description

An introduction to soils from a natural science perspective, emphasizing the relationship between soils and geology, climate, vegetation, and landscapes. Concepts will include soil physical and chemical properties, soil formation and horizonation, soil water, erosion, soil geography, and environmental and sustainability issues related to soil. Practical field and laboratory skills will be emphasized, including standard techniques and terminology for describing soils in the field, applying the US system of soil classification, interpreting National Resources Conservation Service soil survey data and performing geospatial analysis of digital soils data. A required field trip will allow students to observe soils in a variety of landscape settings.

Lecture Hours: 3.00 Lab Hours: 0Total Hours: 3.00